The MLS board of governors have approved the rule change, which will allow clubs to sign big-name players without breaking the competition's salary cap.

The cap is set at $1.9 million (£1 million) and covers 18 players' wages. However, MLS will now pay up to $400,000 (£209,000) towards the salary of the designated player, with any additional cost becoming the responsibility of the club. Each club will receive one designated player slot, which can be traded between clubs, although no club is allowed to have more than two such players in their squad.

The introduction of the rule means that players of the calibre of Beckham, 31, who is in the final year of his contract at Real Madrid, will now have the opportunity to play in the top tier of club soccer in the United States.

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"The designated player rule provides clubs an exciting mechanism to add tremendous value to their rosters," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. "Our fans have stated they would like to see more world-class stars in MLS, and the designated player rule allows us to sign more elite talent from throughout the world."

The rule change will increase speculation that Beckham will leave Madrid to join the American league. Reports have linked him with the Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, with Galaxy president Alexi Lalas saying last week that they would be interested. Beckham has said in the past that he would like to finish his career in the United States, and he already has a football academy at the Galaxy's home stadium near Los Angeles.